The Don Englebreston Collection

Ground Crew Break Near 'Spads' Ordnance Loading Area, Vietnam War Era

Ground Crew Break Near 'Spads' Ordnance Loading Area, Vietnam War Era

Ground crew and aircrew take a break near a doorway marked 'Spads' -- the affectionate Vietnam-era nickname for the A-1 Skyraider, referencing the WWI-vintage French SPAD fighter given the aircraft's propeller-driven design in the jet age. Ordnance loading teams like these worked around the clock to keep Skyraiders armed and ready for close air support and rescue-escort missions throughout the war. Project: 219097